Phoenix Parents Concern as More Children Test Positive for COVID-19 | Coronavirus in Arizona

By Randall Perry On Jul 29, 2021

New numbers show COVID-19 cases in children are on the rise, and that worries some Phoenix parents.

PHOENIX (3TV / CBS 5) – The safety of children in the playground is one thing. Protecting you from COVID-19 is something completely different. “It just worries me because they are children and more vulnerable than adults,” said Phoenix mother Maritza Castro.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports a 2% increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in children nationwide. Children now account for 16.8% of reported weekly COVID-19 cases, including pediatric hospitalizations.

Phoenix’s Pearl Jaramillo said such numbers grab your attention. “It’s scary because now it’s not just affecting adults but children too,” Jaramillo said.

Dr. Valleywise Health’s Ross Goldberg isn’t surprised the number of COVID-19 cases among children is rising. “Just from a logical, medical point of view: if the virus is looking for areas to spread, it will attack those who are more vulnerable,” Goldberg said. “Right now, the most vulnerable groups are those who are not vaccinated, and one of those groups is younger populations.”

Serious illness and death in children remain incredibly rare, and hospital admissions for children who contract COVID-19 are less than 2%, according to the AAP. “I’m not worried,” said Rose Marie Rokuskie. “I think children are very resilient.”